Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Comes a Pale Horse

I

The wind crept through the tall grass, whispering its way to the two riders at the hill top. The sun had lowered itself closer to the ground with every moment and still they waited. One of the riders, the taller of the two, sat unmoving in his saddle. His horse stomped its foot impatiently and he only patted the beasts long dark neck.

His companion was even more impatient than the horse. He looked again at his master spoke hesitantly.

“We should go now. The men are ready. We can decimate this village and be back in time for supper.”

“Not. Yet.” The tall man said. He looked at his companion, his red eyes seemingly glowing in the rapidly dimming light, “You aren’t questioning my judgment are you, Phillip?”

Phillip felt his heart beating hard and fast in his chest. He had seen this man behead someone for less. He suddenly feared for his life.

“I wouldn’t presume to be worthy of such an action, Lord Valantine. I only wished to…”

“You might wish to close your mouth before you end up like Heinrich. His skull makes for a great door knocker. I’m sure it wouldn’t mind company.”

“Yes lord.”

Valantine looked to the west and watched as a cloud of dust edged closer to the small village below them.

He grinned and clapped Phillip on the back.

“The Monks are coming. Ride to the others and tell them we strike when the last of the sunlight is gone. I want the village to be ash by dawn.”

Phillip moved his horse away. After a few steps he pulled on the reins and turned back to Valantine.

“Lord, may I ask why this village is to be destroyed.”

Valantine answered without looking at him, “This is the secret city of Vesterburg Phillip.”

“Vesterburg? I thought it was only a rumor.”

“Not at all. It is indeed real and plump with orphans whose kin have fallen in the service of King Richard of Genae and the monks he sends to take care of them. The Pradians will dine well tonight I think.”

Phillip felt sick. He was not expecting to lay waste to a town full of children, especially buy allowing the demonic Pradians to feed on them. He could have no part of it. He crossed himself and turned to flee.

“Phillip. If you betray me I will visit your family personally.”

Valantine was looking at him over his shoulder.

Phillip felt his blood run cold. He managed a nod and rode away towards Valantine’s awaiting army.

Valantine would kill him of course. He knew this. He felt a slight pain in his gut. That thing was fighting inside him again. It clearly didn’t agree with what was about to happen. No matter. It wasn’t strong enough to overtake him anyhow.

“Enjoy the show brother.” Valantine whispered to himself.

He watched as the dust cloud arrived and a group of monks climbed off their horses. He saw several of the children rush out of the houses towards them. From the main building in the town a few of the resident monks walked towards the new comers.

Valantine smiled as the sun disappeared. Something settled on the ground next to him. He turned and looked at the ancient Pradian. Its sharp teeth peaked from beneath its pale upper lip.

“Your dog fetched us.” It hissed. Valantine knew this was one of the Pradian generals who did not agree with the amount of control Valantine had over his people. Valantine didn’t care how the Pradians felt. As long as he controlled them he had nothing to worry about. They were too honorable to break a blood oath. Valantine had defeated their king in battle and in a rare show of mercy had spared his life. The king put his entire race in Valantine’s debt. For all intents and purposes, Valantine was King of the Pradians. Very few of the Pradians were pleased with that but he let them feed on all the humans they could handle and any uprising was quickly eliminated.

“This is my gift to your people.”

The Pradian looked at the village and scoffed.

“Can’t you smell it, vampire?”

The Pradian growled, “Do not call me that human.”

“Smell the air General.” Valantine spread his arms, “You’re standing on the edge of Vesterburg.”

The Pradian sniffed the air. His eyes seemed to glaze over, “Innocence.”

Valantine grinned.

II

Damian sat up quickly with a sheen of sweat coating his bare chest. The dream was fresh in his mind. The pure desire and hunger in the voice of that monster was echoing in his head. He wished he could say it was only a dream but he knew it was not. He had witnessed the atrocity Valantine had unleashed. He had been a silent witness to the unimaginable horror that happened in Vesterburg. That memory had been locked deeply away for longer than he could even say. But now, everything was coming back.

He looked around the room and noticed he was covered in some kind of animal skin. A fire was blazing nearby. He looked at his hands. His chains were gone. He seemed to be in some kind of hut. There were several large animal hides hanging from the ceiling. They were made of thick grey fur that shimmered in the firelight.

Damian shifted his body and placed his feet on the floor. His boots were gone but he noticed they were resting by the fire. He peaked under the fur and was grateful to discover he wasn’t completely nude. His pants remained intact and dry.

“It is about time you’ve awakened.”

It was a gruff voice, thick with age and experience. It was a voice Damian had not heard in years, nor ever expected to hear again.

The man was sitting in a chair in the shadows not reached by the fire light. He stood up, his armor clinking and walked towards Damian.

Damian stood, his fists clenched tightly.

Krenin held up a thickly gloved hand and smiled slightly at Damian. His silvery eyes shined in the firelight.

“I am not here for a fight. We covered that ground long ago.”

Damian relaxed slightly.

“There are fresh clothes in the trunk there. I took the liberty of finding something that fits your preferred look.”

Damian stood and walked to the trunk. He bent over and popped it open. Inside was a long black coat made of heavy leather along with a dark tunic.

Damian picked up the cloth shirt and pulled it over his head.

“So you fished me from the river?”

“No. This man did.” Krenin waved his hand and a ball of fire floated out of the fireplace. It hovered in the air and danced slowly towards the shadows at the far side of the hut. The glow revealed a bloodied corpse of an old man. Krenin snapped his fingers and the ball of fire popped, casting the dead man again into the shadows.

“Why did you kill him?”

“The greater good,” Krenin crossed his arms, “You’ll find weapons inside that trunk as well.”

Damian glanced at the trunk.

“There will be plenty of time for that later.”

“I think there is time enough for it now.”

“I am not here for these games!” Krenin roared, “You will listen to me and understand that time is of the utmost importance here. Everything I did all those years ago was in preparation for the coming age. I will not have those plans ruined by him.”

“If you think I am going to help you usher in whatever it is you are trying to usher in you’re out of your brain old man.”

“You will help me Damian. Whether you want to or not. We share a common goal, you and I.”

“Any common interests of ours were extinguished when you betrayed the elders and went to war with me.”

“You know as well as I do that the elders were using you for their own ends. You held no allegiance to them.”

“I held allegiance to Cecil and you nearly destroyed him.”

“Collateral damage.”

Damian had heard enough. He rushed forward.

Krenin held up a hand and Damian flew back and crashed against the call. He fell back onto the bed.

“I am not the man you once quarreled with Damian. I am much, much more now. Your task now is to put Valantine in the ground before he finds what he came back for. Do it right this time. Your little friend knows exactly how it has to be done.” Krenin tapped his forehead, “Your old friend told him how.”

Damian rolled off the bed and stood up slowly, “What is it you’re after?”

Krenin simply smiled.

“Stop Valantine.”

“Oh I plan to. Then I’m coming after you.”

“I look forward to it.” Krenin said. He smirked and vanished, leaving Damian alone in the hut.

Damian brushed the dust from his arms and stepped over to the trunk. He opened it again and fished out the coat. At the bottom of the trunk were the weapons Krenin had left for him.

“I’ll be damned.”

Damian reached into the trunk and pulled out the silver handgun. He popped the magazine and checked it was full. He slammed it home. He stuffed the gun into his waistband and checked the trunk for the other weapons.

Inside were several spare magazines and something he never thought he would see again.

A single, golden katana.

Damian quickly pulled the coat on. It was a perfect fit. He grabbed his sword and the spare magazines and rushed for the door.

If Krenin was telling the truth then there was only one person alive that knew how to kill Valantine.

Nyhm, Damian thought, if you’re out there I’m coming.

III

Adia and Tiko rode behind the others. The other three riders were clustered together a few yards ahead. Tiko had a look of steely resolve across his face as he rode. He had not spoken since he had met up with Adia and the others several hours ago.

Adia edged her horse closer to Tiko. She leaned over and snatched the whip from his saddle.

“Hey…” Tiko tried to grab the whip but Adia moved it out of reach.

“Did you think I’d ignore this? That I wouldn’t ask what happened?”

Tiko returned his gaze to the road.

“She was looking for someone.” He said, “Someone you know.”

Adia pulled the reins on her horse. It nickered and stopped.

The others didn’t notice.

Tiko slowed his horse.

“Who?”

“Krenin Volt.”

The name hit Adia like a bullet. Tiko saw it in her eyes.

“Are you sure?”

“Tomas was working with him. A servant or something.”

Adia looked towards the riders in the distance.

“Krenin left him to die, Adia. I do not think he is a threat. Besides Nyhm…”

Adia held up her hand.

A rider had emerged from the tree line ahead. He rode atop a pale white horse that was in sharp contrast to his dark clothing.

“It can’t be…” Tiko whispered.

But it was. Damian kicked his horse and rode towards them. He smiled when he saw Adia but his smile fell away when he saw Tiko.

His words failed him. The sight of his son in front of him was a shock to the system. After everything he had been through it was nearly too much.

Tiko fully expected the world around him to vanish. He was sent to find Damian and here he was in front of him as if nothing had happened. He felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He slid off his horse.

Damian did the same. They approached and embraced.

The world did not vanish and Tiko for the first time since he returned felt whole again.

* * * * *

The orange fire burned brightly in the darkness. The small group of travelers lay scattered around the fire, except for two of them.

Adia and Damian stand near a rapidly running creek. Adia dips her hands in and splashes the water against her face.

“Did you expect to hear his name again?” She asked.

“Not in this lifetime.” Damian sighed and sat near the edge of the water. He had a deep sense of unease. Adia had told him of her captivity. If he hadn’t been trapped by Valantine, he would have been able to find and free her.

Adia saw this on his face.

“We were both trapped, Damian. If either of us was free we would have saved the other. I know this. It doesn’t do any good dwelling on it.”

“Do you understand what is going on here?” He asked her, “Why Tiko is back, why Valantine is back?”

“I’m really not concerned with the whys anymore Damian. I just want to put Valantine back in the ground.”

“I’m not so sure we can do that.” Damian said, “Krenin told me that’s exactly what he wants me to do. Meaning whatever Krenin has planned can’t seem to happen as long as Valantine is around.”

“You saw Krenin?”

Damian nodded, “He’s stronger than before. He’s got some kind of magic…” He looked over his shoulder towards the fire, “I’m not sure how comfortable I am riding with Krenin’s little…friend.”

“He’s seems trustworthy.”

“I’ve seen him fight. I’ve seen him carry out orders. He is relentless.”

“You know Tomas?”

“Long time ago. Before you.”

“Is he immortal?”

“I’m not sure what he is. If he was gifted the way we were, I don’t know.”

“Gifted? Is that what you call it? Is that what you think we are?”

Damian looked at her.

“This is a curse Damian. We should have died long ago.”

“Speak for yourself.”

“900 Years. 900 years is a long time Damian. It’s too long. It’s too long to do what we do. It’s too long to love someone and know it’s in vain.”

“I can’t give you what you want.” Damian whispered.

“I know this. We had our time Damian. Short as it was. There was only one good thing to come from it and he’s sleeping by that fire. I know what we were back then but what are we now? After everything, what are we now?”

“All that we have left is each other Adia. We can’t let that go.”

Adia stood up.

“900 years is a long time to hold on to something.” She turned and walked towards the fire.

Damian had a flash of a memory of a burning town filled with innocent children and clergy. He lowered his head. If only Adia knew all there was to know. 900 years wouldn’t seem quite as long as she thought. Not compared to Damian. Not in the least.

“There will never be peace.” He whispered softly. The words so quiet he barely heard them himself/

Adia left Damian sitting by the creek. She walked to the fire as quietly as she could but noticed Tomas was sitting awake. He looked up at her as she approached and gave her a nod.

Adia settled down on the hard dirt and pulled her cloak around her. She saw Alexia sleeping peacefully nearby. Both Tiko and Nyhm were snoring slightly on the opposite side of the fire. Damian had yet to follow her up from the creek. She felt disappointed with their talk. She didn’t mean to start an argument; it just seemed to come naturally. She sighed and closed her eyes and hoped that sleep would come claim her quickly.

It did not.

Instead Tomas cleared his throat and began to speak.

“My lord spoke of you many times over the years, Lady Silverblade.” He spoke to her with his head slightly bowed, “You were very dear to him I think.”

“Dear enough that he sent some bounty hunter to split me in half?”

Tomas shrugged and looked at her.

“He treats those he loves worse than his enemies, trust.”

“And you think he loved you Tomas?”

“I was but a servant. Loyal to a fault, but just a servant. In the end he left me to die at the hands of your friend. I was no son, no comrade to Lord Volt.”

“And yet you still call him lord?”

“Old habits I suppose.” He leaned back and for a moment Adia thought he was going to end the conversation there, “I have learned a great many things from Lord Volt. He once told me his greatest disappointment was having to fight those he was most proud of.”

Adia scoffed, “He was skilled at deception Tomas. Speaking to you I know where he got his practice.”

“I know a lie when it is uttered Lady Silverblade. Even if others do not.”

Adia looked at him sharply. Had he heard them talking by the creek? If so what was it he was referring to? Frankly, she was too tired to think it over or question him further. Instead, she asked the only thing she could muster the energy to be concerned about.

“Why is Krenin here?”

“To obtain the Gaia Chain at long lost he believes he has finally tracked it here to this world.”

Adia suddenly did not feel as tired as before.

“The Gaia Chain is the reason he betrayed The Elders. They never felt it necessary to tell us what it was.”

“It is a relic of the Ancient Gods. It is said that the Gaia Chain represents every world in existence. Every link is another dimension, another world.”

“Why does Krenin want it?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Damian said as he stepped from the shadows into the firelight, “Whoever holds the chain has the power to remake everything.”

Adia had a sudden pain in her stomach. She knew at once looking at Damian in the firelight that everything was not as it seemed. She felt a flash of anger as she realized Damian had been keeping information from her.

“Just what the hell is going on here Damian?”

Damian looked at her. His eyes were deadly serious.

“The Bloodline shall end in the service of the chain.” Damian said.

“What the hell does that mean?” Adia asked.

“It means that my final task is to protect the Gaia Chain.”

* * * * *

He watched them from the shadows and listened as they spoke. Even in the dead of night, in wide open spaces the idiots spill their guts like no one could possibly be listening.

But of course, he was listening, and liking what he was hearing more and more.

This changes everything, Valantine thought, perhaps he could find this Krenin Volt and make an ally out of an enemy. Unfortunately, he was unable to learn anything else. He saw Nyhm jolt awake from sleep and look directly at the area he was hiding in.

“Balls.” He whispered, “Time to go.” Valantine slipped back into the shadows and darted off into the forest.

He ran until he reached the small clearing where he had tied his horse. He didn’t seem to have anyone following him so he figured he had made it free and clear. His next goal is to figure out how exactly to track down Krenin Volt. Normally, he’d send Starr on this type of chore. She had certain, gifts, when it came to convincing and recruiting. He hadn’t heard from her in quite a while. In fact, he almost cared enough to worry if he wasn’t so furious about her desertion.

“Why do you run?” A voice came from behind Valantine. He reached for the dagger inside his coat.

“You won’t need that.”

Valantine turned slowly and lowered his hand. He adjusted the dark coat he was wearing and looked at the man speaking go him.

“You have great power in you yet you run from them.” Krenin said. He had his arms crossed. Valantine was exceptionally worried about the large handle behind his head that was no doubt attached to a very large blade, “You are an enigma, Mr. Valantine. You continue to defy those that would claim your soul. You have some very angry people after you. Both from this world and the next.”

Valantine smirked, “A lot of people want to know the things that I know. Keeping me dead is a good way to get at that information.”

It was Krenin’s turn to smirk, “You don’t know near as much as you think you do.”

“I know what you’re looking for.” Valantine said, “I can help you find it.”

Krenin laughed.

Valantine turned away and climbed onto his horse.

“Again Valantine, you overestimate your relevance. Still, you might be of some use. I’d rather have you at my side than in my way.”

Valantine flew from his horse and crashed to the ground. Krenin walked over to him and knelt beside him.

“Listen to me closely Valantine. Heed these words carefully. I am the master and you are the dog.” Krenin grabbed him by the throat and lifted him into the air. He set Valantine on his feet.

“Bow.”

Valantine looked in Krenin’s eyes.

“Be a good dog, Valantine.” Krenin drew his arm back and delivered a thunderous punch to Valantine’s gut, “and BOW.”

Valantine collapsed to his knees.

“There you go.” Krenin tapped Valantine’s head, “Now listen closely. I don’t need your help to find the Gaia Chain. I already know exactly where it is. However, there is something I need for you to find.”

Valantine looked up at him, “What would that be?”

“The man with answers.”

“Who?”

“The first of the Elders.” Krenin walked from Valantine and climbed upon a ghostly white horse with shimmery silver eyes. That horse seemingly appeared out of thin air, “You might have better luck tracking him by his chosen name.”

Valantine looked at him. He was becoming increasingly frustrated with these games, “And that is?”

“The Storyteller.”

To Be Continued

The Final Hour Is Almost Here...

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

The Badlands

I

Tiko saw the first plume of dirt before the crack exploded in the sky. He was nearly asleep, his eye lids fluttering closed when the bubble broke inches from his face. He rolled over and leapt to his feet just as the crack sounded.

“Nyhm!” He leapt over the fire and yanked Nyhm up. The small dirt mound he had been resting his head on exploded.

That was the beginning of the barrage. The ground began exploding around them as the thick heavy bullets slammed into the dirt. Tiko felt a bullet wiz past his arm, tearing into the flesh as it past. He spun around and stumbled. He saw one of the horses rear up onto its legs and fall over backwards as a bullet tore into its neck.

Nyhm jumped in front of him and held up his hands. A bright white barrier appeared around them. The bullets bounced off and fell to the ground. Nyhm’s eyes were tightly clenched and a thin stream of blood was running out of his nose.

“Stay down!” Nyhm screamed. He clenched his fists and the white shield around them brightened. The white light slimmed and surrounded Nyhm as he began to rise into the air. In one movement, he brought his fists together above his head and flew into the air. The bullets whizzed past and dinged off his shield as he rocketed towards the origin of the onslaught. His head was throbbing with the exertion but he soared faster and faster towards the tower ahead. With a scream, he crashed through the windows and into the top floor.

Tiko jumped up and ran to his horse. It was terrified, but unharmed. He leapt onto the saddle and kicked it into motion. He saw the bright light of Nyhm flying across the sky and then abruptly vanish.

“Hya!” Tiko shouted and kicked the horse. He rode across the hard dirt as fast as his horse would take him. It looked as if he’d be in the Badlands at night after all.

II

The chains were heavier than he expected. He could feel the steal cutting into his wrists. His chances were dwindling. His strength waning. If he was going to make it out alive he’d have to make his move soon.

But he was weak. He had barely eaten anything of substance in weeks. It would take everything he had to make it.

He was shrouded in a heavy wool blanket and the heat was stifling. He felt the rocking motion of the old wagon they were moving him in. The soft clop clop of the horse hooves agains the dirt…wait…the sound had changed.

They were crossing a bridge. This was his chance. He looked above him and saw the chains attacked to a hook. He spun himself around and pressed his feet against the wood. He grabbed the chains and pulled. The hook popped out of the wood easily and he was free. Well almost. The chains were still clasped and wrapped around him. He shakily stood up and shook off the blanket. He had expected searing daylight to burn his eyes but the sky was black. It was night. He looked over his shoulder and saw Valantine sitting at the reins. He had his red velvet suit on and a top hat tilted slightly to the side.

He was whistling.

Damian stepped forward ready to brain him with the chains when he felt something wrap around his throat.

“Naughty, naughty.” Starr said and yanked back on her whip.

Damian flew back off his feet and hit the wagon hard. Starr rode up along side the wagon and uncurled her whip from Damian’s neck.

“The fight out of you already ba…” Her words were cut off when Damian swung one of his chains at her. It slammed into her face and sent her sprawling to the ground.

Valantine finally turned and looked at him. Damian could see the road ahead through him.

Of course. Valantine wouldn’t be troubled to do anything himself. And then Damian saw exactly why that was. A large group of hooded creatures were riding towards him. More of Valantine’s seemingly inexhaustible demon army. He looked towards Starr and saw her climbing onto her horse. Her face a streaming mess of blood. She cast him one last look and rode away. Most likely to wherever Valantine was waiting.

“Great…” Damian muttered. He could try and fight a squad of demons while swathed in chains or he could jump. He had to decide fast. He was running out of bridge. He glanced over the side of the bridge and without a second thought, he jumped.

It felt like he had jumped off the side of a mountain and landed on another. The water was freezing and instantly Damian felt his breath forced from his lungs. The chains were dragging him down. He had no strength left. He couldn’t get free and his vision was dimming around him. He had nothing left.

Damian sunk deeper into the icy waters and at last the darkness claimed him.

III

Tiko felt a pang in his chest when he crossed the threshold from the desert to the Badlands. It was like entering another world.

It was like home.

The buildings towered above him, nearly all the windows shattered. Glass was scattered across the cracked concrete. Tiko watched the faded broken yellow lines pass by as his horse raced towards the center of the city. He passed abandoned cars and a single baby carriage that was leaning listlessly against a useless light pole.

There was no more light here. There were no more people. This was a lost city, a remnant from a world that no longer existed. It was a relic. A nightmare land that the locals feared with every fiber of their being about which they told stories to frighten their children into behaving. Tiko had heard one such story. The story of the Nightmen. Those that wandered the destroyed city in the darkness and devoured anything they came across. Tiko looked gratefully towards the horizon and saw the briefest hint of light breaking through. If the Nightmen existed, with luck they’d have gone to wherever they go during the daylight.

Tiko tightened his hands into fists around the reins. He relaxed and clenched again. He was running out of time. He could feel it now.

He kicked his horse and together they sped forward towards the center of the ruined city. He could not shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

The center of the city was a towering skyscraper that stretched higher than Tiko could see in the dark. It sat in the center of a square of streets surrounded by brown grass and dead trees. The dry grass crunched beneath the hooves of Tiko’s horse. It sounded more like dead leaves than grass. Tiko climbed off his horse and tied the reins to a tree. He patted the horses neck once and walked towards the stone steps leading to the glass entry way. He needn’t have opened the door as the glass was all broken away. Tiko stepped into the building. The floor was black marble and covered in shattered glass. He looked above and saw he could see up into darkness. There was no ceiling that he could see, just a single staircase that climbed upwards in a square shape. The building was empty beyond that. It reminded Tiko of Cecil’s old building. It was eerily similar. The outer building was just a façade to hide the secrets Cecil had inside. It was just a big empty tower with stairs leading to Cecil’s apartment.

Could it be..?

Tiko darted for the stairs and took them two at a time. They seemed endless. Tiko glanced over the railing and saw he could no longer see the floor. Still he climbed. Through the windows he noticed the sun peaking over the horizon. It was dawn. He continued to climb the stairs.

He did not notice the shapes moving outside in the evaporating darkness and any thought of supposed “Nightmen” had vanished from his mind when he reached the top of the stairs.

The ceiling had partially caved in. Tiko saw a single chair placed near the window. It was overturned and a large gun lay near it on the floor. Tiko walked to the gun and crouched next to it. He touched the barrel. It was still warm.

“Nyhm?” Tiko looked towards the rubble from the ceiling. He walked over and bent to pick up a large chunk of debris when he heard a voice above him.

"Up here.”

Tiko felt himself rising into the air. He found himself face to face with Nyhm. He had blood drying on his face. He lowered his hand and Tiko lowered to the rooftop. Nyhm reached behind his head and tightened the blindfold around his eyes.

“It was Krenin Volt.” Nyhm said, “I saw him. He vanished before my eyes.”

Tiko nodded, “Why are you up here?”

Nyhm gestured to something behind Nyhm. Tiko turned and saw a short man sitting cross legged near the edge of the roof. Tiko was sure the man wouldn’t clear his knees. He was hardly bigger than a small child. Tiko smirked at the thought of Damian’s reaction to such a man.

“Who are you?” Tiko asked.

“Tomas Gravely. I was servant to Lord Volt.”

Tiko twitched his arm and his hidden blade slid forth, “Really.”

“You have no need of that.” Tomas said softly, “I am not a threat to you. Quite the contrary in fact.”

Tiko looked back at Nyhm.

“He is trustworthy.”

Tiko twitched his arm again and the blade disappeared.

Tomas stood up and walked to Tiko. He held out his hand.

“I pledge my service and loyalty to you.”

Tiko, confused, shook his hand.

“I’m afraid you won’t have long to honor that pledge. I came back to rescue my father. That is my only purpose here.”

“There is much you don’t understand. Much you will learn.”

Nyhm leapt to his feet.

“There’s someone in the building.”

Tomas looked towards the horizon. The sun was in full dawning now. The darkness had melted away to a soft grey.

“We must flee at once.”

“And I take it you have a direction for us to go?”

Tomas pointed to the north, “Three days we must ride. But we must leave now. They’re waking.”

Nyhm dropped back into the building. Tomas leapt down after him. He was surprisingly nimble.

Tiko sighed and looked to the north. Three days ride. He clenched his fists and hoped he had that much time left.

“Could sure use a train right about now.” He mumbled and dropped back into the building.

As soon as he hit the floor the building began to shake.

“No…” Tomas moaned, “He knows I’ve betrayed him.”

The building lurched violently sending them stumbling.

They ran for the stairs.

“We won’t make it!” Tomas shouted.

“Nyhm, can you get us down?”

Nyhm looked down, “I’m not sure I am strong enough after before.”

Tiko grimaced, “We’ll have to run. Fast as you can. Get as far down as possible before it goes.”

The ground lurched again and the section of stairs before them crumbled away.

“We can start by jumping over this.” Tiko said.

“I’ll never make it!” Tomas looked incredulous. Tiko grabbed him and threw him over the gap. He hit the railing and rolled down several of the stairs.

Tiko backed up and ran forward. He leaped across the gap and landed on the next landing as Tomas stumbled to his feet. He looked like he was going to say something but thought better. He simply turned and darted down the stairs.

Nyhm leaped next and landed easily next to Tiko. They both rushed down the stairs.

The building lurched again and a loud cracking noise echoed from above them. Thankfully, none of the stairs crumbled. Instead, the top floor seemed to drop several feet.

“Nyhm…” Tiko looked at his friend.

“I know.”

They ran.

The floor above gave way with an unholy tearing sound. The entire building was going to come down after it and they would be crushed.

“We have to jump!” Tiko yelled.

“We’re not even halfway down!” Tomas yelled back.

Tiko grabbed Tomas and leapt over the railing. Nyhm followed.

Above them the top floor dropped with vicious speed crashing through the staircase.

Nyhm closed his eyes and summoned all the strength he could muster. His mind felt as if it were splitting. He reached out his right hand and slowed Tiko and Tomas’s fall dramatically. He pulled them closer with his mind and grabbed them both by the collar. Now he sped up their fall. The wreckage above was mere feet above them. The three of them flew towards the ground.

It took everything he had to move them fast enough. His nose started bleeding again. The floor below was inches away and Nyhm heard Tomas give a squeal when they abruptly changed directions and flew towards the doors. They crashed through the entry way and crashed hard down the stone steps. Behind them the top floor exploded as it hit the ground. The buildings walls collapsed on themselves and fell in large concrete slabs.

Tiko’s ears rang from the noise and he coughed as the dust and dirt filled his lungs.

“That…that was quite…” Tomas stopped talking as he looked out around him.

Nyhm was standing shakily. He fell to his knees and then dropped forward. His face bounced slightly on the ground.

“Nyhm!” Tiko rushed over and knelt next to him. Nyhm groaned slightly.

“Tomas, help me.”

But Tomas did not respond. He was staring ahead of him, his hands shaking slightly.

Tiko pulled Nyhm up to his feet and braced him with his shoulder. Nyhm could barely stand up.

“Tomas! Come he…” But Tiko had seen what Tomas was looking at.

There were hundreds of them. They looked like men but they had long gore covered claws. They were also skinless. They all looked like freshly skinned men. Streams of red blood coursed over the exposed muscles. One of them snarled and clicked its sharp rotted teeth.

“What are they?” Tiko whispered.

“Nightmen.” Tomas said.

Tiko looked at the sun now climbing its way into the sky.

“Of course. Nightmen.”

IV

Adia slammed her fist against the stone wall. It had no effect of course besides causing her significant pain. She had no idea how to get out of this prison. She was completely sealed inside this cavern. No amount of kicking or striking was helping. Still, she had to try something. She wouldn’t allow herself to simply sit and do nothing. She would waste away unless she found a way out. Surely, there would be some way to open the door.

Adia would not have to discover that however as the door way began to slowly raise. She stepped back away from the rising stone and unsheathed her sword. She saw a deep maroon robe covering a slim female shape. The door raised and revealed the dark crimson hair.

“At last you’re awake.” Alexia said. She removed her robe, revealing a tight fighting shirt and pants. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail.

“You did this to me. You imprisoned me here!”

She nodded.

“This is a holy place, Adia. It is called The Chamber of the Old Dream. I put you here to see the truth you ignore. Your dream gave you what you most wanted but it also showed you how that dream would be shattered. You see now that no matter what course your life takes you are destined to fight. You are destined to use your anger and pain to save others.”

Adia squeezed the hilt of her sword. She was tired of the pain, tired of the anger. She didn’t need a witch to show her that her life was a series of tragedies. She didn’t need a witch to tell her what her destiny was. She always new that, she simply wanted to turn her back on it.

"You can strike me down now Adia or we can go save your son. The choice is yours.”

“My…son? Tiko?” Adia felt a pang in her chest, “He’s dead.”

“Not anymore.” Alexia turned and walked down the dark corridor, “Come with me if you wish to save him.”

Adia sheathed her sword and followed.

V

Tiko slashed at the attacking demon and spun away as a spurt of thick brown fluid burst from its neck. He crouched and sliced at the gut of another and then stood and plunged his blades into two other demons. They squealed in pain and ripped themselves away from him.

Tomas was holding his own as well. He was fighting with a surprising fierceness. He had several small blades hidden in his clothing and was using them to slice and dice the demons with expert efficiency. He certainly had secrets and Tiko was sure he didn’t know all that Tomas was capable. He watched as Tomas used the corpse of one demon as a spring board, leaping into the air and burying his blades into another demon’s eyes.

The demons kept coming. Tiko didn’t know how Damian could do it. Fight of horde after horde of monsters and still keep going. As it was, Tiko’s arms were already tiring and he didn’t think he’d be able to keep it up much longer. Tiko saw a group of the skinless beats moving towards Nyhm, who was lying nearby barely conscious. He wouldn’t make it in time and Tomas was busy with a group of his own.

Tiko sliced his way through the mass of beasts that were rushing towards him. He saw the demons leap onto Nyhm and moments later saw them all flying through the air.

Nyhm slowly rolled over and stood up. He was woozy still and shaky on his feet but he was up.

“Get down you idiot!” A female voice shouted.

Tiko ducked just as a steam of red shot above his head. A demon dropped dead behind him. Tiko looked at the woman who had just emerged from a tunnel in the ground. She had deep red hair and held some kind of wand in her hand. It’s tip glowed crimson.

Tiko’s eyes widened when he saw Adia emerge behind her.

He started to run towards her but she held up her hand and released her sword.

“Fight now,” She said, “reunion later.” And she started killing.

Tiko grinned and followed suit. Suddenly the pain in his arms seemed to have faded away.

They fought for what seemed like hours before the last of the demons ran away in fear. They had fought valiantly and survived minus some cuts and scratches. Tomas had a nasty bite on the side of his head but Alexia was working to heal it.

They stood among hundreds of corpses breathing heavily, their hearts pounding in their ears. Tiko made his away to Adia and they embraced.

“I don’t understand this.” Adia whispered.

“They sent me back to find Damian. Valantine has him.”

“Not anymore.” Alexia said.

“We have to get moving. They’ll be back with their friends.” Tomas said. He glanced at the devoured corpse of Tiko’s horse, “I can get us horses we’ll have to walk a few hours to the east.”

Tiko looked at Adia and smiled.

“Just like old times.” He said.

She said nothing. Her eyes were wet and she hugged him again.

“Let’s go.” Alexia said, “I’ll tell you about Damian on the way.”

Together they walked east. As they walked along the concrete through the city they could hear the sound of an approaching horse. They hid as the rider passed. Adia stepped from the shadows, her face contorted in rage.

“Starr.” She said and began to follow her.

Tiko grabbed her arm, “No. I will follow her and see what she is up to. Go with them and get the horses. Come back here for me and we’ll go together to find Damian.”

“I can take care of Starr.” Adia said.

“I have no doubt that you can. But you’re strength is better suited with them. Get the horses and come back for me.”

Adia looked past him and nodded.

“Be careful.” She said.

Tiko watched them walk away. He had had his mother back for such a short time and he was sending her away again. He squeezed his hands into fists.

“There will never be enough time.” He whispered and turned to follow Starr.

VI

Starr slid off her horse and walked towards the crumbled remains of the building.

“Damn.” She hissed and stepped inside the building. There wasn’t much room to move around inside considering the entire center of the building seemed to have collapsed. She looked up and noticed that the top half of the building had folded in on itself and was resting on the wreckage of the collapse. The rest of the walls would probably buckle and send the entire remaining structure into a heap. Starr cursed in disgust and was about to turn to storm out of the rubble when someone grabbed her from behind. She saw a hand in front of her face and then a blade slid out of the sleeve and pressed against her chin.

“What is your business with Krenin Volt?” Tiko asked.

“Take that pig sticker out of my face.”

Tiko jerked his arm and a thin line of blood appeared on Starr’s cheek.

“You aren’t in a bargaining position, Starr, and I’m not that interested in hearing what you have to say.”

Tiko moved around to stand in front of her. He was mildly satisfied when he saw her eyes widen slightly.

“Doesn’t anyone stay dead anymore?” She asked with a sneer.

“Yes.” Tiko reared back and slashed his knife at Starr. The blade ripped a gaping wound in her stomach. She winced and grabbed at the slice. Blood poured over her hands. Tiko stepped forward and jabbed the knife into her gut. He put his other hand against her cheek.

Starr felt weak. She couldn’t muster the strength to fight him off.

“You’ve caused so much misery,” Tiko said, “It’s time someone put you out of yours.”

Starr barely felt Tiko’s hand twitch but she did feel his other blade slipping into the soft flesh under her chin. For a moment there was only searing, blinding pain as the blade slit its way through her tongue. Her mouth filled with blood. It slowly spilled out over her lips. Then the blade broke through the roof of her mouth, ripped its way into her brain and the pain was gone. She had one last look at Tiko’s expressionless face and for a moment it seemed as if she could see right through him.

Then she was dead and Tiko let her lifeless corpse slide off his blades. He stepped over her body, pausing only to grab the whip tied at Starr’s waist. He did not look at her again as he walked to the edge of the city to wait for his mother to return.

Chapter Three

Chapter Three
The Dream Life of Adia Silverblade

I

The laughter of the little boy echoed in the air. He skipped across the lush green grass chasing a dark winged butterfly. His dark hair seemed to float in the air as he played. His green eyes sparkled brightly with each laugh.

A young woman stood at the door to a small cottage watching as the boy ran through the fields. She had her arms wrapped tightly around her. The wind carried a slight chill that her linen gown failed to keep out.

She shivered slightly and called for her son. He looked at her and waved. She could not keep the smile from her face when she looked at him. So pure. So innocent. She felt a warmth in her heart that defeated the wind’s cool chill.

The boy darted through the tall grass and disappeared for a moment. The woman felt her heart beat faster. It calmed when the boy appeared again. She did not understand the apprehension she felt whenever her son disappeared from site. No matter the duration, she always worried.

“You are too protective.” A deep voice spoke from behind her. She felt strong arms wrap around her and pull her against a hard torso. She turned her head and looked into the soft blue eyes of her husband. She sighed and leaned her head back on his shoulder.

“I do not know why I am so anxious when he leaves my sight. It is perfectly safe here.”

She felt her husband’s lips brush against her neck.

“My dear Adia, you are simply a mother. A mother worries.” He smiled at her, his face free of lines and barely looking his age of twenty-nine.

“I worry too much. You said it yourself.”

“I said you are too protective. Let the boy wander and explore. It is in his nature.”

“I fear he has too much of your nature, Damian. I’ll not wake up one morning to find him vanished on some adventure or another.”

“Those days are over now. My place is here with you, wife, and with Tiko. I’ll not leave you alone again.”
Adia turned to face him. She looked up into his eyes.

“Do you swear it?” She asked, “Do you swear it to be so?”

Damian kissed her softly on the lips. He brushed her hair away from her face.

“Upon my life and my honor I swear it to be.”

They embraced. Adia held him tightly for fear if she let go she would lose him forever. She felt his arms tighten around her, almost as if he had the same fears. She smiled and was content in the safety of his arms. Even for that short while, she was content.

II

Adia stirred the thick stew that simmered on the fire. She had her hair pulled back into a pony-tail and was dressed in a soft blue wool dress with a grey apron tied tightly around her waist. She hummed quietly while she cooked so as to not awaken Tiko who was napping on the floor in his room off the kitchen.

Aside from her sleeping son, Adia was alone in the house. Damian had taken the horse and wagon into the nearby town to get some feed and supplies. She felt a pang of fear when she saw him take his sword. Bandits had been striking wagons near to town and she believed it only a matter of time before they struck Damian. Despite his past before they met and his reputation, she still worried about him when he was away.

She smiled at the memory of the start of their courtship. He had taken one look into her eyes and vowed to lay down arms if she only gives him her heart. Of course she did, and true to his word, he did the same. It may have taken a while for him to do so, but upon the knowledge of the coming of a son, Damian had kept his word.

They had settled down together on this land that her father had purchased for them and it was here she gave birth to her son. It had been a peaceful, happiness filled eight years since.

Adia started at a knock on the door. She was so jumpy lately. She often found herself leaping at her own reflection. Adia rested the ladle against the side of the pot and walked to the door. She lifted the board securing the door and opened it.

An older woman with a smooth olive complexion stood before Adia. She had soft caramel hair that rested on her shoulders. Her face lit up when Adia opened the door.

“Mother!” Adia rushed forward and hugged her mother tightly.

“My darling girl.” She said and held Adia in her arms.

“This is most unexpected. Please come inside.” Adia stepped aside and let her mother enter. She closed the door and placed the board back in its place, “It is nearly half a day’s ride to get here Mother, is everything all right?”

Her mother sat on the edge of a bench at the dining table, “Everything is just fine, I…I just felt as if I needed to come see you and Tiko.”

Adia sat next to her mother and took her hand. It was soft, the skin felt wispy as if it would scatter to the winds if held to roughly.

“We are pleased to have you here. Damian shall return soon and we will eat. I insist you stay till the morn. It will be dangerous to travel at night.”

“Oh child.” Her mother seemed on the verge of saying more but Tiko had emerged from his room. He ran into his grandmothers arms with a giggle.

Adia smiled and returned to her stew. She began stirring again. Her eyes drifted to the amber flames burning beneath the pot.

“Wish for good dreams my Aya.”

The flames darkened and Adia could see dark black shapes among them. She could hear the thundering of horses in the distance.

“Wish for good dreams…”

“Adia?”

The flames turned a deep amber and Adia could swear she saw a pair of eyes staring out at her.

“Adia!”

She felt hands grab her and yank her away from the fire. The soup ladle clattered against the stone floor.

Adia spun around and looked at her mother. For a moment she appeared to be severely charred and burned. Adia could see the white of her skull peaking through the blackened flesh. She opened her mouth to scream but her mother slapped her hard across the cheek. Instantly, her vision blurred and she blinked away tears. She looked up at her mother again. She looked as she had before with no sign of burns.

“I’m sorry I had to hit you, you…you looked as if you might be going mad. You almost fell into the fire.”

Adia sat down in a chair. She was covered in sweat and her heart was pounding.
“I do not…I…” Adia struggled to put words to what she had seen. She looked up at her mother and the vision of her burnt face flashed across her vision again. She covered her face in her hands and fought the tears that were threatening to break forth. It wasn’t until she heard Tiko begin to cry that she was able to pull herself together. She quickly got to her feet and went to him.

“I’m sorry I scared you.” She took him into her arms. He sniffed and nodded softly.

“I wasn’t ascared for you. I saw daddy.”

Adia looked towards the door.

“I saw him here.” Tiko touched his head.

“I don’t understand.” Adia said, glancing at her mother.

“There were mean men with swords and fire. Daddy was fighting them.”

Adia stood and turned to her mother.

“Where is Father?” She asked.

Her mother reddened and looked away.

“Has he gone after the bandits?”

Her mother did not answer.

“Is Damian with him?”

“You father begged him, Adia. You must understand there was no other way.”

“Did I do bad Mommy?”

Adia turned away from her mother and picked scooped Tiko from the floor.

“You did nothing wrong, Love. Nothing at all.” She shot an angry look at her mother and carried Tiko into his room. She set him on the floor, “Tiko, I need to go out for a little while. I’ll be back soon. Grandma will be with you. Dinner will be ready soon.” She kissed him on his forehead, “I love you.”

“Be careful,” he said softly, “I don’t wanna see you here too.” He touched his head again and looked down at his toys.

Adia smiled at him and left the room. She walked over to the door and grabbed her cloak from the hook by the door. It was long and black. She looked at it for a moment unsure of where it came from. It seemed familiar to her but she did not recall ever having it before.

“Adia, you mustn’t.”

“I must!” She shouted, “I must and do not think for a moment you will stop me.” Adia flung the cloak over her shoulders.

It’s all coming apart…

“What did you say?” Adia asked.

“I spoke not. But please, I beg you. Stay with Tiko, stay with me. Damian and your Father will be home any moment.”

“They may already be…it may already be too late. If it is, if he is dead, if he is lost to me…” She said no more and snatched open the door. She felt something heavy on her hip and found a large sword sheathed there. A deep azure stone gleamed from its hilt. Adia turned back and looked at her house. Her mother sat looking at the fireplace. Adia could see the firelight flickering on the tear tracks running down her cheeks. Adia rested her hand on the hilt of the sword. She was not sure where it came from but she was suddenly very glad to have it.

She rushed to the stable and saddled her horse. She mounted and rode off toward the village. She rode as if hell itself was on her tail and gaining ground. In a way it was. Even as she rode she saw the orange glow in the darkening sky. She saw the black smoke swirling into the sky. She noticed the thick smell of burning wood with a hint of something sour just beneath it. Adia did not wish to think of what that was.

She leaned forward and screamed at her horse to go faster. She kicked her heals against the beast again and again. She had never ridden this fast before. The horse’s hooves blasted into the ground like rapid fire thunder. Her cloak slipped off her head and her brown hair sprang free. It fluttered in the wind in waves as the cold wind rushed through it. Her vision blurred for a moment and she realized she was crying now.

You must be strong. You must be ready.

That voice again. It was so familiar to her.

Look out!

Adia glanced ahead and saw a large man riding towards her. He was swinging a large axe. She had no further hesitation. She ripped her sword from its sheath and with strength she did not know she had, threw it at the approaching bandit.
The blade pierced his chest and he swayed in his saddle. As she rode past him, Adia reached out and ripped her sword free. The man tumbled to the ground and was dead before he hit the dirt.

Adia rode on.

III

It wasn’t long before she saw the flames. The village was ablaze. She saw small huddles of people together sobbing and screaming as their homes burned away. Bodies were everywhere. The street flowed crimson with spilt blood.

“Gods…” she whispered.

“NO! Please I beg you!”

Adia turned and saw a bandit scooping a young girl into his arms. The girl’s mother pounded his chest; her tiny fists did nothing to stop him. The man guffawed and backhanded her, sending her sprawling to the ground, her nose a rose of blood.

Adia kicked her horse and galloped towards them. She held her sword tightly.

“Hey!” She screamed.

The bandit looked at her and saw the sword arching towards him. The little girl fell from his arms as he struggled for his weapon. The sword cleaved through his neck easily and his head flew from his body in an arch. A stream of blood trailed it’s decent.

Adia did not wait for gratitude. She saw the woman rush to her daughter. That was enough.

She rode on.

She was almost to the town square. She jerked the reins of the horse and barely avoided trampling a man rushing across the street way. He was engulfed in flames and screaming for the gods to save him.

Just ahead she saw a large group fighting violently. Bandits and villagers were raging against each other. At its center was Damian.

He seemed to be fighting everyone. His speed was inhuman. His blades were sparking off sword after sword. Each swing coating it in blood. He glanced up and saw her causing a moment’s hesitation.

One moment was enough. One of the bandits slammed the hilt of his sword against Damian’s head. Damian stumbled forward.

“DAMIAN!” Adia screamed. She kicked the horse again and rode into the mass of bandits. Her horse trampled three of them and reared onto its back legs. It kicked its hooves smashing in the faces of two others. One of the bandits rushed forward with a large steal spear. Adia barely had time to avoid the spear that burst through the beast’s neck. It tangled into her hair. Adia swiped her blade and severed the tangled hair. She leapt from the horse as it fell to the ground.

The men were on her immediately. She did her best to fight them off. Slicing and kicking away at them. She felt power in her that she had never before experienced. Her muscles were tight with rage and strength as she plowed her way through the bandits. Someone grabbed her by the hair and yanked her backwards. She swung her sword back over her head and split the man’s crown in two. They fell back together. Adia used the momentum to roll backwards over the man’s body. She sprang back to her feet, sword in hand.

Damian lay a few feet away from her. She rushed forward and rolled him onto his back.

“Wake up damn you.” She whispered.

Several villagers fell dead to the bandits blades.

Adia slapped Damian across the face and his eyes sprang open. He looked up at her.

“I’m sorry…” He said.

“Apologize later.” Adia helped him to his feet. He grabbed his sword from the ground and rushed back into the fight.

Adia looked down at her hands. They were covered in thick dark blood. The battle around her seemed to freeze. She looked from her hands, through the warring bandits, past the villagers to the dagger wedged in Damian’s side. It was in to the hilt just beneath his armpit. Adia moved forward. She felt like she was mired in quicksand, barely able to move. She swung her sword and clanged away blow after blow. Her eyes remained fixed on the blade that was lodged inside her husband.

She shoved her sword inside another bandit. Pushing it in to the handle so that the blade burst through the other side. The man fell to his knees. Adia placed her foot against his face and shoved him off her sword. It was then she saw Damian stagger. The wound in his side finally weakening him. Adia rushed forward but found herself caught up in a group of bandits. One of them wore a heavy red cape.

“Your husband is a brave fighter.” He said. His breath was hot and rank, “In death his honor will remain. This is our town now bitch. Take your dead lover and go. Perhaps you will make it before my men do.”
The bandit leader’s eyes widened as a sword blade burst through his chest. Adia saw a hand snake around the leaders head and yank him back.

“Not…dead…yet…” Damian said and shoved his blade further in. The bandit leader’s eyes dimmed.

The other bandits scattered upon seeing their leader slain.

Damian fell to the ground with the dead leader on top of him. Adia pulled the heavy body away and grabbed for Damian.

“Too late. You…” Damian coughed, “You need to go. Get Tiko. Your father went to you… They’re…they’re going to burn…”

“No, you bastard, get up. You promised me the fighting was over. We’ll get to Tiko together.”

Damian smiled. His teeth were red, his eyes darkening.

“I love you.” He said, “I love you forever.” He said.

“Damian. Get up. Get up we have to go we have to go. You son of a bitch you can’t leave me!”

Adia shook him; tears were flooding down her face. Damian’s eyes widened.

“Valantine…” He whispered. Damian coughed and a fine mist of blood covered Adia’s face.

Then he was gone.

Adia stood up stone faced. She stood in the town square as the village burned around her. She gripped her sword in her hand as she stood among the ruins and smoke. Her husband lay dead at her feet, his blood on her face.

GO!

Adia saw a horse running among the flames. She ran over to it and climbed into the saddle. She cast one last look at Damian.

“I love you.” She said softly.

And she rode on.

IV

The ride home seemed to last an eternity. She pushed that horse to its last limits. At one point she nearly rode up on a large group of bandits gathering together to attack the village again. She had to go into the forest and ride towards her home from the back to avoid them. She kept looking up at the sky. It was still glowing orange despite night fall.

“Please…please no.”

Her life had been perfect only hours ago now everything was coming apart. Her husband dead. Her father missing. Now she was racing the fates to get home before the bandits took their revenge. If they got there first...

No. She couldn’t think of that. She wouldn’t. Her heart could not sustain that loss.

Finally she broke through the trees and was in the field behind her house. She saw no one around and the house was quiet. She rode across the field. She saw something attached to the front door. From where she was she could not tell what it was.

It wasn’t until she was closer that she noticed realized.

It was her Father. He was impaled on the door.

It was then the flames erupted over the roof of the house. She heard maniacal laughing and saw the group of bandits riding away.

“NO!” Adia unleashed such a roar of agony that she felt her throat rip with the force. By the time she made it to the house it was fully engulfed.

She tried to open the door but it was jammed shut with a large iron bar. She heard her mother screaming and scratching the door. The window shutters were closed and bared as well. Adia swung her sword and tried to chop through but the heat grew too much. Her face was baking and blisters broke out on her skin.

“TIKO!” She rushed forward again despite the flames, despite the pain. She slammed her fist into the shutter and broke through. She howled in agony as her hand shattered. The fire was eating away at her arm. It was then she felt Tiko’s small hand grab hers. He squeezed her fingers.

She could not hear his cries through the roar of the fire. She could not see his face through the shutter and she dared not pull her arm out. She wanted to hold his hand and let the flames devour her as they were devouring him.

“Let him go.”

That voice. It was right behind her now.

“Don’t let go of me Tiko. Mommy is here. Mommy is here for you!”
Adia felt something grab her and yank her away from the window. Her burning arm flew free of the shutter and she fell back away from the house.

She tried to run back. She had to get to Tiko but felt a blow to her stomach and a kick to her face.

“Enough!” The voice screamed again and shoved Adia back.

She looked up at the person attacking her and felt her mind stretch to its limits. She had gone mad. She was mad from the grief. Insane from the tragedies she was experience. Surely, she was not seeing this.

“You’re burning.” The figure said.

Adia looked at her arm and the pain came flooding back. Her vision blurred as she saw the fire chewing away at her flesh. She suddenly had no strength.

“Idiot.” The voice said again. The figure ripped the cloak from Adia’s shoulders and smothered the flames on her arm. Adia looked up into the soft brown eyes.

“I’ve gone mad.” She whispered.

The woman smirked and stood up.

“Not exactly.”

She was dressed in leather armor. A brown leather corset tied tightly around her chest. She had brown boots and a dark cloak around her shoulders. Her brown hair hung around her shoulders. At her side hung a silver blade with a blue gem in its hilt.

Adia made an attempt to rush to the house again. The woman grabbed her and shook her.

“Look at me!” She screamed.

Adia looked into her eyes. They were hard angry eyes but Adia could see the softness just below that, struggling to be free.

“None of this is real.” The woman said, “You, me, the both of us are trapped here. This is not real.”

Adia looked again towards the burning house but again the woman shook her violently.

“Stop looking over there. You need to wake up.”

“Let me go. I have to get to Tiko. I have to save him.”

“You have to wake up. You know this is not right you must wake up.”

“Stop this!” Adia screamed. “Let me go!”

The woman slapped Adia hard.

“Wake up.”

“Tiko! TIKO!!”

“Wake up!”

The world fell into darkness.

Her home was gone. The fire was gone. Tiko was gone.

Adia opened her eyes and sat up slowly. She looked around and saw nothing but stone and the dim glow of burning torches.

She looked at her arm there were no burns, yet she still felt a dim tingling pain. Her heart ached and she could hardly stand it. She burst into tears and unleashed the emotion that had pent up inside her for so long.

V

It is known as the badlands. A ruined city but a city unlike anything seen in this land. Large glass towers with windows of glass, mostly shattered now, blot out the sunlight. The buildings tilt as if they were pulled towards some large vacuum. It is a city of ruins. A city of a lost world.

On the top floor of the center tower, now devoid of any defining characteristics sat a man. He had long grey hair pulled tightly into a pony tail and tied with a black leather string. He sat in a simple chair. Facing out the cracked window he watched as the sun fell beneath the horizon. He only watched. He ran his hands over his goatee and settled against the back of the chair. Far in the distance he was a small orange glow. His face scowled. He heard the rapid footsteps moving towards him.

“Lord Volt.”

The man shifted in his chair. His armor creaking as he turned.

“They’re coming my lord. They will be here in the morning.”

Krenin Volt turned his back to the small man who had served him for so long. As loyal as a dog.

“Leave.” He said. The dwarf man bowed so deep his head nearly hit the ground. He quickly spun and hurried away.

Krenin watched the small orange dot with intense interest. He was less concerned of how they would arrive then he was on how they’d leave.

He rested his hand on the large black rail gun that rested at his side. He moved his hand down to a lever and yanked it. The loud click that locked the long string of bullets into place left him feeling incredibly satisfied.

“Dead.” He whispered and grinned.